The Zimpher package

UC President Nancy Zimpher got a well-deserved contract extension into 2012. See the story and link to the detailed contract here.

Most interesting note in the story: Zimpher turned down a $37,000 raise to the first year's base pay, which would have gone from $343,350 a year to $380,164. She noted the university had to trim $27 million from the budget this year and was setting a good example. I know lots of people will snort at that, noting that $343,350 isn't chump change and the deal comes with a nice place to live, investment counseling, deferred income, car allowance and a job for her husband. But how many of those scoffers would willingly pass up $37 grand?

Besides, all the goodies in the package pretty much represent the going rate for big school university presidents these days and there are plenty who get more. She is insisting UC raise its sights beyond the athletic department, and for that she deserves credit.

Contract clause I found most interesting involves the car allowance (Section 5, paragraph d): "As a condition of her employment as President, the University requires the President to drive, in the performance of her duties, an automobile that appropriately reflects her position." Just what does that mean exactly?

UC is a major public research institution in a state whose governor just announced he wants Ohio to be a leader in energy research. So would it be reflective of her position for Zimpher to tool about in an electric car? How about one fueled by Ohio corn? Maybe something solar? Or she could take a lead in the fuel conservation efforts and opt for a Moped.